5-HTP 200mg Time Release has a delivery system that releases 5-HTP slowly and then steadily over a period of time. 5-HTP is a drug-free, amino acid derived from plant that naturally increases the body's level of serotonin, the chemical messenger that affects emotions, behavior, appetite, thought and sleep. Today's stress filled lifestyles and dietary practices may negatively affect how the body handles serotonin. Regular use of 5-HTP 200mg Time Release helps promote a more positive outlook and greater appetite control.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Supplement Facts

Take one tablet, one time daily, with a meal. Do not exceed recommended dose.

No Yeast, No Wheat, No Corn, No Milk, No Egg, No Soy, No Gluten, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Added Sugar, No Starch, No Preservatives

Storage Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place.

Warning:Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you have or suspect a medical condition, are pregnant or lactating, or are taking prescription drugs including drugs for depression, migraine, Parkinson's disease or psychiatric/emotional conditions.

Keep out of reach of children

Manufactured by Natrol, Inc.Chatsworth, CA 91311

Health Notes

Disclaimer:
This scientific independent research is provided by Aisle7 and is for informational use only. GNC provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. Likewise, Aisle7 does not recommend or endorse any specific products.

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Dose: 200 to 600 mg daily for adults, 20 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight for childrenSeveral studies have found 5-HTP to be effective at reducing the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headaches.(more)

Dose: Adults: 200 mg two hours before bedtime and 400 mg at bedtime; children: 3 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight5-HTP is converted into serotonin and might, therefore, be helpful for insomnia. In one study, supplementing with 5-HTP appeared to improve sleep quality.(more)

Sleep Disturbances

Dose: Refer to label instructions5-HTP is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep.(more)

Dose: Refer to label instructionsSupplementing with 5-HTP has had antidepressant effects in people with bipolar disorder; the effect was greater when combined with an antidepressant drug (doctor's supervision recommended)
(more)

Dose: 200 to 600 mg daily for adults, 20 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight for children

The cause of migraine headache is believed to be related to abnormal serotonin function in blood vessels,1 and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan, which is converted by the body into serotonin) may affect this abnormality. In one study, 40 people with recurrent migraines received either 5-HTP (200 mg per day) or methysergide (a drug used to prevent migraines) for 40 days. Both compounds reduced the frequency of migraines by about 50%.2 Larger amounts of 5-HTP (600 mg per day) were also found to be as effective as medications for reducing migraine headache attacks in adults in two double-blind trials.3, 4 Migraine attacks were reduced in frequency, severity, and duration in 90% of those taking 400 mg per day of 5-HTP in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial,5 though another trial found no benefit of 5-HTP.6 In another controlled study, 400 mg of dl-5-HTP (another form of 5-HTP) led to reduced consumption of pain-killing drugs and pain scores after one to two months.7 Children who suffered from migraines and had problems sleeping responded well to a daily amount of 5-HTP equal to 20 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight in a controlled trial,8 though an earlier study showed 5-HTP had no better effect than placebo for children with migraines.9

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) may be helpful for tension-type headaches. A recent double-blind study of adults with chronic tension-type headaches found 300 mg per day of 5-HTP reduced the number of headache days by 36%, but this was not significantly different from the 29% reduction in the placebo group.1 (Headaches often improve significantly even when an inactive [placebo] treatment is given).2 Headache severity was also similarly reduced by either 5-HTP or placebo. In this study, 5-HTP was significantly superior to placebo only in reducing the need for pain-relieving medications during headaches. Previous double-blind research studied 5-HTP in groups of patients suffering from many different types of headache, including some with tension-type headaches. Results from these studies also found substantial, but nonsignificant benefits of 5-HTP compared with placebo using either 400 mg per day in adults3 or 100 mg per day in children.4

People with fibromyalgia often have low serotonin levels in their blood.1, 2, 3 Supplementation with 5-HTP may increase serotonin synthesis in these cases. Both preliminary4, 5 and double-blind trials6 have reported that 5-HTP supplementation (100 mg three times per day) relieves some symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Dose: Adults: 200 mg two hours before bedtime and 400 mg at bedtime; children: 3 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weightThe amino acid L-tryptophan has been used successfully for people with insomnia,1 presumably because it is converted to the chemical messenger, serotonin. According to one preliminary trial, L-tryptophan supplementation was 100% effective at promoting sleep in people who awaken between three to six times per night, but not effective at all for people who only awaken once or twice, nor in people who doze on and off throughout the night in a state blurred between sleep and wakefulness.2

A related compound that occurs naturally in the body, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), is also converted into serotonin and might, therefore, be helpful for insomnia. In a double-blind trial of people without insomnia, supplementation with 5-HTP (200 mg at 9:15 p.m. and 400 mg at 11:15 p.m.) increased rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, presumably indicating improved sleep quality.3 In a preliminary trial of people with fibromyalgia, supplementing with 100 mg of 5-HTP three times a day improved sleep quality.4 However, additional research is needed to determine whether 5-HTP is safe and effective for people with insomnia.

In a preliminary study, 5-HTP was also found to be an effective treatment for "sleep terrors,"5 a common problem in children that causes sudden awakening with persistent fear or terror, screaming, sweating, confusion, and increased heart rate.

Dose: Refer to label instructions5-HTP is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep, emotional moods, pain control, inflammation, intestinal peristalsis, and other body functions.1 Insomnia has been associated with tryptophan deficiency in the tissues of the brain;2 therefore, 5-HTP may provide a remedy for this condition.

In a controlled trial, 5-HTP (300 mg per day) was shown to be effective in reducing many symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain, morning stiffness, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.3 For insomnia, a single 100-mg nighttime dose of 5-HTP was sufficient to improve the duration and depth of sleep in one placebo-controlled trial.4

Dose: Take under medical supervision: 600 to 900 mg daily for no more than 12 weeks
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), the precursor to the chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) serotonin, has been shown in three short-term controlled trials to reduce appetite and to promote weight loss. In one of these trials (a 12-week double-blind trial), overweight women who took 600 to 900 mg of 5-HTP per day lost significantly more weight than did women who received a placebo. In a double-blind trial with no dietary restrictions, obese people with type 2(non-insulin-dependent) who took 750 mg per dayof 5-HTP for two weeks significantly reduced their carbohydrate and fat intake. Average weight loss in two weeks was 4.6 pounds, compared with 0.2 pounds in the placebo group. This amount has not been established as a safe long-term treatment and should not be tried without a doctor's supervision; people taking antidepressants or other medications should be aware of potential drug interactions.

L-tryptophan is the amino acid used by the body to produce serotonin, a chemical messenger important for proper brain function. Supplementation with L-tryptophan has led to improvement in depression in many studies,1, 2 but information is limited about its effect on bipolar disorder. Case reports on two bipolar patients treated with lithium or an antidepressant drug described marked improvements when they were given 12 grams daily of L-tryptophan.3, 4 Two trials using 6 grams of L-tryptophan daily for acute mania in patients with bipolar disorder found little or no improvement,5, 6 but another double-blind, controlled study using 9.6 grams daily reported better results.7

L-tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) before it becomes serotonin in the body. In a controlled trial, 200 mg daily of supplemental 5-HTP had antidepressant effects in bipolar patients, though it was not as effective as lithium.8 In a double-blind trial, patients with bipolar disorder had greater improvement with a combination of 5-HTP at 300 mg daily plus an antidepressant drug than with 5-HTP alone.9

5-hydroxytryptophan is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep, emotional moods, pain control, inflammation, intestinal peristalsis, and other body functions.1

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2016.

Label

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I suffer from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), which is a very severe form of PMS, and I had heard that 5-HTP helps treat that along with mood swings and other emotional issues. I was really skeptical because I've tried several other things that weren't very effective and I thought this sounded too good to be true. Shortly after I started taking it I noticed that I felt more calm, and much less moody and emotional. Once I hit the point when my PMDD should've kicked in I could tell a HUGE difference. It was more like mild PMS and I never got crazy emotional or bawled my eyes out for no reason. My hubby loves this stuff since it's pretty much vital to his well being ;) He calls it my "happy pill" and makes sure I take it every night. I take it before bed because it makes me a little sleepy and actually helps me sleep better. It also improves my stress/anxiety level, which is great because I'm an RN and my job can be extremely stressful. I've started recommending this to everyone I know who suffers from PMDD/PMS, depression, mood swings, stress/anxiety, or emotional instability. I've gone through several bottles now and am super happy with the results. It's worth every penny!

I'm on a Seritonin uptake depression medication. I'd been having trouble sleeping and staying asleep. Consiquently, my depression/anxiety and fibromyalgia flared up frequently, particularly when I was under stress. Exercise didn't help the depression or the fibro. I started on 200 mg. It was great at first: I took it before bed and I fell asleep as soon as I got in bed, I felt refreshed as soon as I woke up and I had more energy throughout the day. I usually had vivid dreams, so these were even more vivid, but they weren't bad dreams. After about a month on the 5HTP, the dreams started getting bad - visions of being abandoned (something I was going through in real life) and I became depressed due to the disturbing dreams and feeling down all day. I began cutting the pills in half (although that alters the time-release). Since doing so, no more bad dreams, and it DOES help me go to sleep almost an hour after I take them at night. However, I'm starting to wake up in the early morning hours before it's time to wake up and the energizing feeling doesn't last throughout the day anymore. I'll still take it (just getting enough rest is worth the price), but I'm disappointed that it doesn't last as long. Maybe I'll try the 100mg with the time release intact so it'll last all day. Be sure and check with your doctor about taking it if you're taking any SSRI anti-depressants or any anxiety meds. Overall, I'd recommend anyone to give this a try!

When you get these, you need to start on a weekend night or some other night when you don't have to work the next day. For the first few doses they perked me up. After about a week, they started making me sleepy, so I switched from taking them in the morning to taking them in the evening. I had quit taking Wellbutrin as a secondary med for my depression/Fibromyalgia, and this was what I wanted to try in place of it. I'm currently taking Celexa, paired with amitriptyline in the PM for help sleeping. Even with that, I was having trouble not only getting to sleep, but staying asleep all night. I feel a bit better emotionally, I've had very few fibro flare-ups, and most importantly, I'M SLEEPING THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT and feeling "awake" once I'm up. I've been through months of fighting this insomnia (depression-, anxiety- driven) so just to have something to take that will help me sleep throughout the night is worth the $$ for me. Haven't noticed any appetite supression or energy boosts, unfortunately. Overall, highly recommend this product for sleeping/waking issues, which, in turn, helps with the depression, anxiety, and fibromyalgia flare-ups. DO make sure you search for it at different online stores, though - you can catch it on sale on other websites.

To me this is an over the counter DRUG!!! take seriously and responsibly. I take 2hours before I am ready to sleep cause it relaxes you mind and body. Your sleep is DEEP and at times your dreams are chaotic. My wife says everytime I take it I talk in my sleep and make movements in my sleep acting out what I dream about.

Now the plus is when I wake up I am so RESTED, full of energy, I don't wake up HUNGRY so small breakfast holds me even thru lunch time, I am happy and very stress free things on the job that usually bother me I just laugh over or the stress I usually give into is nonexistant.

I don't take EVERYDAY as to not be dependant I usually only take Monday thru Friday and give my body the weekend off of it. When I am out sick from work or on vacation I don't take either. I have a stressfull job and I refuse to let the job KILL me and this is my buffer.

Would also recommend L-DOPA or L-Tryosine (either one or both help), to increase dopamine levels which complements 5 HTP supplements (serotonin). Retrospect, both serotonin and dopamine will assist suffers with depression.

I take this every morning with my other vitamins, no stomach irritation at all. After a couple of days I just felt better. I would be up several times a night and had problems getting to sleep. Now I might get up once (have bad carpal tunnel and this will wake me up) a night. Don't have the sweet cravings anymore either. I will use this permanently.

I think it mainly is helping to maintain a more positive mood. I have Asperger Syndrome, and one symptom is compulsive behavior. After reading GNC mag April '10 article on brain neurotransmitters, and a health mag article, it seemed that serotonin lack might be an issue. (Neither article mentioned specifically it would help with Asperger's.) The GNC salesman recommended the time released version. I think product helps some with the compulsive behavior, with the better seeing of options, and it definitely helps maintain more positive mood. I think it might be helping a little to reduce sugar craving also. So, doesn't fix everything but does help. I plan to keep taking it.

I have fibromyalgia and tried Lyrica and a bunch of other prescription drugs that help initially but have bad side affects. I weaned myself off of Lyrica and decided to do some research on my own. 5 HTTP helps me to get a better nights rest which is a major factor in fibro flare ups. I still get flare ups (mostly in cold, damp weather) but not as many as before (even with the prescription meds).

I heard about this pill on a TV program about weight loss. The speaker was a brain surgeon. He said that low serotonin levels in the brain trigger anxiety & depression, and for some people, food is their comfort. I don't have a weight problem, but this pill has removed my cravings for nicotine ... which comes with the stress of being a trial lawyer.